Attraction · Taipei
Taipei 101
The island's most recognisable tower, designed to resemble a bamboo stalk. The 89th-floor observatory opens onto the whole Taipei basin, and the 101st-floor outdoor deck is worth the extra ticket on a clear day.
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
The visit
Taipei 101 is both a landmark and a mall, so decide what you want from the visit. Go up for the view, then walk the surrounding streets for a sense of the modern city. Sunset is the most popular time for good reason.
History and context
Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building until 2010. Its bamboo-stalk design and tuned mass damper help it withstand typhoons and earthquakes.
The tower was designed by C.Y. Lee and C.P. Wang and became the centrepiece of Taipei’s new Xinyi district. Its 660-tonne tuned mass damper is among the largest in the world, and the observatory has become a rite of passage for visitors.
What to see
- The 89th-floor observatory
- The 101st-floor outdoor deck
- Bamboo-inspired architecture
- The tuned mass damper
Practical notes
- Allow about: 2 hours
- Type: landmark
- Destination: Taipei
- Tickets: Mixed
- Best time: Sunset
- Booking: Recommended
- Accessibility: Good
- Official website: Taipei 101
Check the official website for opening hours
Getting there
- MRT: Taipei 101/World Trade Center, exit 4 — 5 min walk
Good to know
Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to watch the city switch on its lights. The mall below is a good place to wait out rain.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take?
Recommended duration: 2 hours.
When is the best time to visit?
Plan your visit around sunset.
Do I need to book?
Booking ahead is recommended.
Location
Keep exploring
More places in Taipei
Beitou Hot Springs
A geothermal valley 30 minutes north of the centre, with steam rising from the river, historic bathhouses and affordable public pools. It is the perfect rainy-day escape.
CultureDadaocheng & Dihua Street
The old trading heart of Taipei, where baroque shophouses sell dried mushrooms, medicinal herbs, tea and fabric. Renovated courtyards hide excellent coffee, design shops and intimate bars.
TempleLongshan Temple
A 1738 temple that is still very much alive: worshippers chant, offer fruit and throw moon blocks while the air fills with incense. The carved roof and stone dragons are extraordinary.
MuseumNational Palace Museum
One of the world's great collections of Chinese art, with roughly 700,000 objects spanning imperial bronzes, calligraphy, jade and ceramics. Only a fraction is on display at any time.